Ambitious EU Quality Jobs Act needed

The European Commission’s second-phase consultation, which closes today, seeks social partners’ views on possible action concerning artificial intelligence and algorithmic management at work, occupational safety and health, subcontracting, labour market transitions and enforcement. CESI addressed the initiative in its first-phase contribution and welcomes a more detailed examination of these areas

A future Quality Jobs Act should turn the commitments of the Quality Jobs Roadmap into enforceable improvements in working conditions, CESI argues in its new consultation contribution. It supports a coherent EU framework built on existing labour law, with binding minimum standards where protection is insufficient and scope for national social partners to adapt implementation through collective bargaining.

• Workers and their representatives should be informed and consulted before AI systems affecting employment or work organisation are introduced or substantially changed. CESI calls for assessments of their effects on safety, equality, privacy and psychosocial health, alongside understandable explanations and effective human review of consequential employment decisions. Employers must remain responsible when they use software supplied by third parties.
• A stronger protection against psychosocial and climate-related risks, as well as violence and harassment at work, is necessary. Rules should reflect work carried out remotely or away from an employer’s premises. CESI reiterates its demand for EU legislation on fair telework and a right to disconnect, and stresses the particular exposure of public-facing workers to third-party violence.
• In subcontracting chains, greater transparency and appropriate liability should enable workers to enforce their rights even where responsibility is difficult to establish.
• Workers affected by digital and green transitions need access to training throughout their careers and a meaningful say in restructuring. CESI asks the European Commission to give greater attention to employment in public services, where understaffing and poor working conditions affect both workers and the services they provide.

CESI's full consultation statement is available here.